Dawn Airey will start her new role in October.
Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

Former Channel 5 boss Dawn Airey has taken over as chief executive of US-based picture licensing firm Getty Images.

Airey joins Getty from Yahoo, where she served for two years as the company’s top executive in Europe. She is moving to New York and will start her new role on 12 October.

She replaces co-founder Jonathan Klein, who will become chairman of the company.

“After 20 years at the helm, I am delighted Dawn is joining the team to drive Getty Images in its next phase of growth, innovation and industry leadership,” said Klein.

“Dawn’s deep understanding of the consumer market and the intersection of technology and content means she is well situated to run Getty Images as it explores new opportunities within the consumer space and beyond. We could not be more excited about the future.”

Airey said: “I have long admired Getty Images and relish the opportunity to lead this iconic global business as it continues to break new ground and propel the industry that this company has pioneered for 20 years.”

BBC charter review: what the panel members have said in the past

Read more

Airey is part of culture secretary John Whittingdale’s advisory panel on the future of the BBC. Her career has also included stints in senior positions at ITV and Sky.